New Place in Town

High Tide Restaurant Cafe and Creperie

I tend to go to the usual places.  I know what to expect and its comfortable.  I lurk but seldom commit to a new place when it comes restaurants.  On the other hand,  I'm into supporting the local scene so when a new joint opens up, I'll check it out.  It's like, finally a local breakfast/lunch type of place that serves crapes and alcohol.  Great service and the food was decent.  Italian Crepe with eggplant, artichoke, onions, garlic, and mozzarella cheese.  I'll go again to check out their Sandwiches.  The place, "High Tide Restaurant Cafe & Creperie". 

Italian Crepe

ふだんは困った所にしか行かない主義ですがやっぱり地元に新しいレストランが出来ると行って見たくなりますよね。ここは、サンドイッチとクレープの店。朝ご飯的なメニューもあるので朝方にパンケーキとワインを飲みたい方でもOK。取りあえず今日頼んだのはイタリアン・クレープ。なす、アーティチョーク、オニオン、ガーリック、モッツォレラ・チーズ。クレープ自体もう少し薄くても良いのにって感じ。でも、サラダとポテトフライ付きで$8ドル。文句は言えません。まあ、パシフィカ付近に来た時はぜひチェック・アウトして見て下さい。　

Condiments, my new fetish

(all photos were taken using the iPhone 4. no edits. all natural)  My new food related twitter account is @ironmetalchef.  新しい食べ物系のつぶやきの方はアイアン・メタル・チェフです。よろしくお願いします。

ホスト　千明でした

Straits Restaurant San Mateo はもうだめ

ここは美味かったのにって言う所で終わってしまった。取りあえず一年ぶり、ウェーターさんはたまたま同じお兄さん。席も同じ所。ナイスな感じのシンガポール風レストラン。しかし暗闇にだまされた感じで終わってしまったこの夜。Straits Restaurant.

料理の焼きぐあいからお皿のプレゼンテーション。暗くて何も見えないからってもう少しちゃんとすれば？せっかく妹をつれて来たのに残念。ここはもうだめ。Dark and romantic.  On the other hand, a great way to hide the lack of presentation.  Dinning is all about the presentation in my opinion.  Even an average meal can become a 4 star by the way in which the subjects are presented.  This place was good but not anymore.  The dim lights are even dimmer.  You just can't see the dish. Everything, over cooked and soaked in cheap sauce.  It was better a year ago.  Still a nice place for a stiff drink with a hot LADY!  Go for a drink and go elsewhere if your stomach calls for more.  

ホスト　千明でした

Hana Japanese Restaurant and my Dogs

50 miles North of San Francisco,  Hana in Santa Rosa CA is the default Japanese Restaurant we visit while our dogs are getting groomed.  The number one reason I come here?  Simple, they import their Asahi Beer Kegs direct from Japan.  The Asahi Beer we purchase at the stores here in the USA are, "Brewed under the strict supervision of Asahi Corporation  at Molson Breweries, Canada".  Next time you pickup a bottle or a can of Asahi Super Dry, take a look at the back label.  The only one brewed and shipped from Japan that I know of is the 1.0  Liter (33.8 fl. oz) can.  That aside, Saturday around 11:30 AM  the place is empty, dark, and calm.  A very peaceful atmosphere to enjoy a touch of Japan.  Few pieces of Omakase Nigiri (what the Sushi chief recommends) and Sebastopol's own Megumi Natto (Fermented Soybeans) with Ika.  Colorful plate of Oshinko (assorted Pickles) on the side and the Free Range Chicken Karaage.  The tender almost raw like texture is achieved by brining the chicken overnight.  After 3 pints of true Asahi, we are ready to pickup our kids.  We'll be back in 3 months.  家のミニチュアシュナウザーをグルーミングに連れて行く時に毎回よる和食レストラン "花"　。サンフランシスコから８０Km　北にある小さな店。昼間でもとても静かで薄暗いアトモスフィアー。寿司、地元産のオルガニック納豆、地鶏から揚げ、そして一番大切な日本直輸入のAsahi Super Dryの樽。(注意！：アメリカのAsahiビールはカナダで作られています)。そういえば小学生の時に初めて飼った犬の名前が花子。だからここに来てしまうのかもしれません。また三ヶ月後に来ます。

ホスト　千明でした